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On an extraordinary outdoor adventure in the hidden gem of Southern Illinois, explore deep canyons, crystal-clear springs and waterfalls bursting into sapphire pools. Learn about the area’s prehistoric cultural history and observe wildlife including white-tail deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, foxes and bald eagles. Learn about the diversity of the region — oak-hickory hardwood forests, sandstone barrens and the northernmost cypress swamp in North America — and hike to the highest free-falling waterfall in the state.

Highlights

• Hike to one of the highest points in the Shawnee Hills and take in a sweeping view from atop a retired Forest Service fire lookout tower.
• Hike a five-mile section of the beautiful River to River trail, which runs from Devil's Backbone Park on the Mississippi River to Battery Rock Park on the Ohio River.
• Explore the Heron Pond floating board walk and peek inside the "Winnie the Pooh Tree," a hollowed 1,000-year-old bald cypress tree.

Activity Notes

Hiking up to five miles a day; hikes become more difficult as week goes on.Coordinated by Camp Ondessonk, a Catholic retreat center.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!